US6282726B1 - Protective helmet - Google Patents

Protective helmet Download PDF

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Publication number
US6282726B1
US6282726B1 US09/306,804 US30680499A US6282726B1 US 6282726 B1 US6282726 B1 US 6282726B1 US 30680499 A US30680499 A US 30680499A US 6282726 B1 US6282726 B1 US 6282726B1
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United States
Prior art keywords
shield
pivot axis
external shell
shields
respect
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Expired - Fee Related
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US09/306,804
Inventor
Jean-Paul Noyerie
Louis Guay
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Gallet SA
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Gallet SA
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Publication date
Priority to FR9716843A priority Critical patent/FR2773051B1/en
Application filed by Gallet SA filed Critical Gallet SA
Priority to US09/306,804 priority patent/US6282726B1/en
Assigned to GALLET S.A. reassignment GALLET S.A. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GUAY, LOUIS, NOYERIE, JEAN-PAUL
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of US6282726B1 publication Critical patent/US6282726B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42HEADWEAR
    • A42BHATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/18Face protection devices
    • A42B3/22Visors
    • A42B3/226Visors with sunscreens, e.g. tinted or dual visor
    • AHUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A42HEADWEAR
    • A42BHATS; HEAD COVERINGS
    • A42B3/00Helmets; Helmet covers ; Other protective head coverings
    • A42B3/04Parts, details or accessories of helmets
    • A42B3/18Face protection devices
    • A42B3/22Visors
    • A42B3/225Visors with full face protection, e.g. for industrial safety applications

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an improvement for a protective helmet, and more particularly for a helmet including at least two pivotable front protective shields.
  • Protective helmets have been commonly used for a very long time in various fields, either professional, as is the case for military personnel, airplane or helicopter pilots, police officers or firefighters, or civilian or private, as is the case for users of motorcycles, rally or race cars, or employees of work sites.
  • the helmet includes an internal envelope made of synthetic foam adapted to absorb shocks.
  • Some helmets have a transparent face shield movable between a low protective position and a high retracted position. To that end, the shield is mounted on the helmet pivotably around a transverse axis, with the shield being displaced by pivoting to be positioned in front of the nose of the user.
  • Some helmets have a smaller second shield, or an eye shield, mounted to pivot coaxially with the face shield.
  • the second shield is pivoted into the low position under the same pivoting conditions as the face shield, adapted to cover the nose of the user.
  • the eye shield in the low position is not in a good position.
  • An object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks found in helmets having two pivoting shields by proposing a particularly simple construction according to which the respective axes of the two shields are not coaxial, but which are distinct and different in their positions, in contrast with the prior art helmets.
  • each of the shields has its own pivot path, appropriate to its destination.
  • the protective helmet according to the invention is of the type with an external shell and at least two protective shields, i.e., a first shield and a second shield, both pivotable with respect to the shell between two positions, i.e., between a low active position of use and a high inactive position of non-use, whereby the first shield is pivotable around a transverse axis different from the transverse pivot axis of the second shield.
  • the first shield is a face shield with larger dimensions than the second shield.
  • the two shields are each comprised of a transparent wall which is substantially a portion of a sphere, and the radius of the transparent wall of the first shield is greater than the radius of the transparent wall of the second shield, while in the low position of use and/or in the high position, the front wall of the second shield is arranged behind the front wall of the first shield.
  • the front wall of the second shield is substantially parallel to the front wall of the first shield.
  • the two shields are mounted to pivot on an internal intermediate part attached to the external shell.
  • the pivot axis of the second shield is arranged farther forward and higher than the pivot axis of the first shield.
  • FIG. 1 is a side view of the helmet of the invention, with the two shields in the low position of use;
  • FIG. 1 a is a perspective view of the helmet of the invention, with the two shields in the low position of use;
  • FIG. 2 is a side view of the helmet of the invention, with the two shields in the high inactive position of non-use;
  • FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of the helmet of the invention, with the two shields in the high inactive position of non-use;
  • FIG. 3 is a side view of the helmet of the invention with only the first shield in the low position of use;
  • FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of the helmet of the invention with only the first shield in the low position of use;
  • FIG. 4 is a side view of the helmet of the invention with only the second shield in the low position of use;
  • FIG. 4 a is a perspective view of the helmet of the invention with only the second shield in the low position of use;
  • FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the helmet depicting the essential elements of the helmet
  • FIG. 6 is a front view of the internal intermediate part
  • FIG. 7 is a side view of the helmet after the internal intermediate part bearing the two shields has been pivoted toward the front.
  • the helmet equipped with the protective shields according to the invention may be of any kind, such as, for example, the type used by firefighters, military personnel, or motorcyclists, even bikers or skiers, and has a primary external shell 1 protecting the cranium and the nape of the neck of the user and has a front face opening 2 in the zone occupied by the actual face of the user, with the helmet having a vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry P.
  • the shell is made of a rigid material and may be of any appropriate material such as plastic, steel, aluminum, or a composite material of the type having a stack of layers of reinforcement fibers, impregnated and interconnected by a resin matrix.
  • the external shell is made up of a substantially spherical wall having a plurality of wall portions, i.e., a front top wall 4 extended toward the rear by a rear top wall portion 5 , itself extended toward the bottom by a rear bottom wall portion 6 , and has, moreover, two side wall portions 7 , a right side wall portion 7 a , and a left side wall portion 7 b .
  • the front top wall portion 4 corresponds to the zone occupied by the forehead of the user and is demarcated by the top rim 8 of the face opening 2 , which is itself demarcated laterally by two side rims 9 .
  • the rear top wall portion 5 corresponds to the zone occupied by the cranium of the user, while the rear bottom wall portion 6 corresponds to the zone occupied by the nape of the neck of the user.
  • the wall of the shell is demarcated toward the bottom by a lower rim 10 .
  • the side wall portions 7 , 7 a , 7 b correspond to the zones occupied by the ears of the user and are demarcated toward the front by the corresponding side rim 9 of the face opening 2 , and toward the bottom by the front ends of the lower rim 10 .
  • the helmet of the invention has, according to one of its characteristics, at least two protective shields 11 , 12 pivotable with respect to the shell 1 , between two positions, i.e., between a low active position of use B and a high inactive position of non-use H.
  • the helmet has a first shield 11 and a second shield 12 .
  • the first shield is a face shield with large dimensions adapted in its position of use to cover a large part of the face of the user
  • the second shield 12 is an eye shield of smaller dimensions than the face shield adapted, more specifically, to protect the eyes of the user in the position of use.
  • Each of the protective shields is pivotable around a transverse axis and, according to the invention, the pivot axis of the first shield is distinct and different from the pivot axis of the second shield.
  • the first shield or face shield 11 is articulated with respect to the shell 1 around a first pivot axis 13
  • the second shield or eye shield 12 is articulated with respect to the shell 1 around a second pivot axis 14 . Therefore, the two axes are not coaxial, but have different positions.
  • the second axis 14 is different from the first axis 13 .
  • the second axis 14 is spaced from the first axis 13 by a distance D 1 to be farther forward than the first axis by a distance D 2 and higher by a distance D 3 .
  • the shields 11 , 12 are each mounted individually articulated with respect to the shell. Thus, their respective rotational movements occur around a fixed pivot axis in a locator linked to the shell. Moreover, the positioning of the pivot axes 13 , 14 of the shields 11 , 12 as well as the configuration, i.e., the shape and size, of the shields are selected to enable the shields to pivot freely and independently of each other between their respective extreme active and inactive positions.
  • each of the shields is independent of the pivoting of the second shield; the respective paths of the shields 11 , 12 are distinct and do not cross each other, such that regardless of the position of one of the shields, the second shield can pivot freely from its inactive position to its active position and vice versa.
  • each of the shields has its own defined path and has the same path regardless of the other shield.
  • the first shield 11 is composed of a transparent wall made, for example, of a plastic material of the polycarbonate type or other type. This wall is substantially a portion of a sphere limited so as to be contained between two converging transverse planes P 1 , P 2 forming a dihedral angle A open toward the front.
  • the face shield is composed of a front wall 11 a formed by a substantially spherical portion with a radius R 1 extended laterally toward the rear by two side arms 11 b , 11 c .
  • the second shield 12 is composed of a transparent wall made, for example, of a plastic material of the polycarbonate type or another type.
  • This wall is substantially a portion of a sphere limited so as to be contained between two converging planes P 3 , P 4 forming a dihedral angle B open toward the front.
  • the face shield is made up of a front wall 12 a formed by a substantially spherical portion with a radius R 2 extended laterally toward the rear by two side arms 12 b , 12 c .
  • the angle A formed by the two planes P 1 , P 2 is larger than the angle B formed by the two planes P 3 , P 4
  • the radius R 1 of the spherical wall of the first shield 11 is greater than the radius R 2 of the spherical wall of the second shield 12 .
  • the second shield 12 has smaller dimensions than the first shield 11 , or face shield.
  • the front wall 11 a of the first shield 11 has a height H 1 , measured in the plane P of general symmetry, which is greater than the height H 2 of the front wall 12 a of the second shield 12 , measured under the same conditions.
  • the radius R 1 of the front wall 11 a of the first shield 11 is greater than the radius R 2 of the front wall 12 a of the second shield.
  • the front wall 12 a of the second shield 12 in the low position of use B and/or in the high position H, the front wall 12 a of the second shield 12 is arranged behind the front wall 11 a of the first shield 11 , and in the high position of use H, the front wall 12 a of the second shield is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 a of the first shield 11 , as appears more specifically in FIG. 2 .
  • the dihedral angle A formed by the plane P 1 , P 2 including the first shield 11 is larger than the dihedral angle B formed by the plane P 3 , P 4 including the second shield.
  • the two shields 11 , 12 are not mounted directly on the shell 11 but on an internal part 20 attached to the interior of the helmet on each of its sides, by utilizing two attachment bolts 21 , 22 or any other mechanism.
  • This internal part 20 appears in the form of a top spherical wall portion 20 a extended laterally toward the bottom by two side walls 20 b , 20 c , with the two shields mounted pivotably on these side walls, while the bottom rim of the side walls is attached in the vicinity of the side rim 10 of the side walls 7 a , 7 b of the shell 1 by the aforementioned bolts or screws 21 , 22 .
  • FIG. 7 it is possible, after removing the front bolts 21 , to pivot the unit composed of the internal intermediate part 20 with the two shields 11 , 12 , which enables cleaning or possibly replacing the shields whose joints are then outside the shell 1 , and therefore perfectly accessible.
  • a protective, shock-absorbing padding commonly called a skull-cap 30 made of synthetic foam, such as expanded polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam, with the skull-cap 30 providing the actual protection of the skull of the user.
  • At least one gripping member composed of a tab 120 formed by a downward extension of one or both of the side arms 12 b , 12 c is advantageously provided. Also, the gripping tab is arranged in proximity to the face opening 2 and, more specifically, to the side rim 9 to be able to be readily accessible to the user.
  • a stop system restricting the downward and/or upward pivoting of one or both of the shields could also be provided.
  • the pivoting of one or both shields could be free or retarded, for example, by friction at the level of its joint 13 and/or 14 , or elsewhere in an appropriate zone.
  • a stop restricting downward pivoting of the face shield 11 is provided, with the stop composed of a side flange 200 implemented in the side walls 20 b , 20 c of the internal intermediate part 20 .
  • the first shield is indexed and retained in its low and high position by the cooperation of protrusions 201 , 202 implemented in the lateral walls 20 b , 20 c of the internal intermediate part 20 with corresponding holes 110 , 111 implemented in the side arms 11 b , 11 c of the shield 11 .
  • the eye shield is provided.
  • the eye shield more specifically its front wall 12 a , has a very short path T 2 such that the shield is very close to the face, particularly to the eyes of the user, as are simple goggles.
  • a central indentation 112 open toward the bottom, adapted to the passage of the nose of the user is advantageously provided, with a comfort and finishing gasket 113 also provided on the bottom rim of the shield.
  • the face shield 11 has, of course, a more distant path T 1 , enabling the shield to move forward and beyond the zone occupied by the nose of the user.
  • the user may place either one or the other of the shields individually, or both shields simultaneously, in the low or high position.

Abstract

A protective helmet of the type with an external shell and at least two protective shields, a first shield and a second shield, each pivotable with respect to the shell between two positions, i.e., between a low active position of use and a high active position of non-use, wherein the first shield is articulated with respect to the shell around a first pivot axis, while the second shield is articulated with respect to the shell around a second pivot axis, with the transverse pivot axis of the first shield differing from the transverse pivot axis of the second shield.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to an improvement for a protective helmet, and more particularly for a helmet including at least two pivotable front protective shields.
2. Description of Background and Relevant Information
Protective helmets have been commonly used for a very long time in various fields, either professional, as is the case for military personnel, airplane or helicopter pilots, police officers or firefighters, or civilian or private, as is the case for users of motorcycles, rally or race cars, or employees of work sites.
There is no shortage of applications, and a large number of helmets which have a rigid external shell substantially spherical in shape adapted to closely fit the skull of the user, with a face opening at the front for the face, are already known. Moreover and generally, the helmet includes an internal envelope made of synthetic foam adapted to absorb shocks. Some helmets have a transparent face shield movable between a low protective position and a high retracted position. To that end, the shield is mounted on the helmet pivotably around a transverse axis, with the shield being displaced by pivoting to be positioned in front of the nose of the user.
Some helmets have a smaller second shield, or an eye shield, mounted to pivot coaxially with the face shield.
The result is that the second shield is pivoted into the low position under the same pivoting conditions as the face shield, adapted to cover the nose of the user. As a result, the eye shield in the low position is not in a good position.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to overcome the drawbacks found in helmets having two pivoting shields by proposing a particularly simple construction according to which the respective axes of the two shields are not coaxial, but which are distinct and different in their positions, in contrast with the prior art helmets. Thus, because of the proposed construction, each of the shields has its own pivot path, appropriate to its destination.
Thus, the protective helmet according to the invention is of the type with an external shell and at least two protective shields, i.e., a first shield and a second shield, both pivotable with respect to the shell between two positions, i.e., between a low active position of use and a high inactive position of non-use, whereby the first shield is pivotable around a transverse axis different from the transverse pivot axis of the second shield.
According to further preferred characteristics, the first shield is a face shield with larger dimensions than the second shield. Thus, the two shields are each comprised of a transparent wall which is substantially a portion of a sphere, and the radius of the transparent wall of the first shield is greater than the radius of the transparent wall of the second shield, while in the low position of use and/or in the high position, the front wall of the second shield is arranged behind the front wall of the first shield.
In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, in the high position of use, the front wall of the second shield is substantially parallel to the front wall of the first shield.
According to another characteristic, the two shields are mounted to pivot on an internal intermediate part attached to the external shell.
It is also noted that, advantageously, the pivot axis of the second shield is arranged farther forward and higher than the pivot axis of the first shield.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the annexed drawings which are only provided as non-limiting examples.
FIG. 1 is a side view of the helmet of the invention, with the two shields in the low position of use;
FIG. 1a is a perspective view of the helmet of the invention, with the two shields in the low position of use;
FIG. 2 is a side view of the helmet of the invention, with the two shields in the high inactive position of non-use;
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of the helmet of the invention, with the two shields in the high inactive position of non-use;
FIG. 3 is a side view of the helmet of the invention with only the first shield in the low position of use;
FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the helmet of the invention with only the first shield in the low position of use;
FIG. 4 is a side view of the helmet of the invention with only the second shield in the low position of use;
FIG. 4a is a perspective view of the helmet of the invention with only the second shield in the low position of use;
FIG. 5 is an exploded side view of the helmet depicting the essential elements of the helmet;
FIG. 6 is a front view of the internal intermediate part; and
FIG. 7 is a side view of the helmet after the internal intermediate part bearing the two shields has been pivoted toward the front.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The helmet equipped with the protective shields according to the invention may be of any kind, such as, for example, the type used by firefighters, military personnel, or motorcyclists, even bikers or skiers, and has a primary external shell 1 protecting the cranium and the nape of the neck of the user and has a front face opening 2 in the zone occupied by the actual face of the user, with the helmet having a vertical longitudinal plane of symmetry P.
The shell is made of a rigid material and may be of any appropriate material such as plastic, steel, aluminum, or a composite material of the type having a stack of layers of reinforcement fibers, impregnated and interconnected by a resin matrix. The external shell is made up of a substantially spherical wall having a plurality of wall portions, i.e., a front top wall 4 extended toward the rear by a rear top wall portion 5, itself extended toward the bottom by a rear bottom wall portion 6, and has, moreover, two side wall portions 7, a right side wall portion 7 a, and a left side wall portion 7 b. The front top wall portion 4 corresponds to the zone occupied by the forehead of the user and is demarcated by the top rim 8 of the face opening 2, which is itself demarcated laterally by two side rims 9. The rear top wall portion 5 corresponds to the zone occupied by the cranium of the user, while the rear bottom wall portion 6 corresponds to the zone occupied by the nape of the neck of the user. In addition, the wall of the shell is demarcated toward the bottom by a lower rim 10. The side wall portions 7, 7 a, 7 b correspond to the zones occupied by the ears of the user and are demarcated toward the front by the corresponding side rim 9 of the face opening 2, and toward the bottom by the front ends of the lower rim 10.
The helmet of the invention has, according to one of its characteristics, at least two protective shields 11, 12 pivotable with respect to the shell 1, between two positions, i.e., between a low active position of use B and a high inactive position of non-use H.
Thus, the helmet has a first shield 11 and a second shield 12.
The first shield is a face shield with large dimensions adapted in its position of use to cover a large part of the face of the user, whereas the second shield 12 is an eye shield of smaller dimensions than the face shield adapted, more specifically, to protect the eyes of the user in the position of use.
Each of the protective shields is pivotable around a transverse axis and, according to the invention, the pivot axis of the first shield is distinct and different from the pivot axis of the second shield. Thus, the first shield or face shield 11 is articulated with respect to the shell 1 around a first pivot axis 13, whereas the second shield or eye shield 12 is articulated with respect to the shell 1 around a second pivot axis 14. Therefore, the two axes are not coaxial, but have different positions.
It must be remembered that, according to the invention, the second axis 14 is different from the first axis 13. Thus, the second axis 14 is spaced from the first axis 13 by a distance D1 to be farther forward than the first axis by a distance D2 and higher by a distance D3.
It is important to note that the shields 11, 12 are each mounted individually articulated with respect to the shell. Thus, their respective rotational movements occur around a fixed pivot axis in a locator linked to the shell. Moreover, the positioning of the pivot axes 13, 14 of the shields 11, 12 as well as the configuration, i.e., the shape and size, of the shields are selected to enable the shields to pivot freely and independently of each other between their respective extreme active and inactive positions. The pivoting of each of the shields is independent of the pivoting of the second shield; the respective paths of the shields 11, 12 are distinct and do not cross each other, such that regardless of the position of one of the shields, the second shield can pivot freely from its inactive position to its active position and vice versa. Thus, each of the shields has its own defined path and has the same path regardless of the other shield.
The first shield 11 is composed of a transparent wall made, for example, of a plastic material of the polycarbonate type or other type. This wall is substantially a portion of a sphere limited so as to be contained between two converging transverse planes P1, P2 forming a dihedral angle A open toward the front. The face shield is composed of a front wall 11 a formed by a substantially spherical portion with a radius R1 extended laterally toward the rear by two side arms 11 b, 11 c. The second shield 12 is composed of a transparent wall made, for example, of a plastic material of the polycarbonate type or another type. This wall is substantially a portion of a sphere limited so as to be contained between two converging planes P3, P4 forming a dihedral angle B open toward the front. The face shield is made up of a front wall 12 a formed by a substantially spherical portion with a radius R2 extended laterally toward the rear by two side arms 12 b, 12 c. In addition, the angle A formed by the two planes P1, P2 is larger than the angle B formed by the two planes P3, P4, and the radius R1 of the spherical wall of the first shield 11 is greater than the radius R2 of the spherical wall of the second shield 12.
As described previously, the second shield 12, or ocular shield, has smaller dimensions than the first shield 11, or face shield. Thus, the front wall 11 a of the first shield 11 has a height H1, measured in the plane P of general symmetry, which is greater than the height H2 of the front wall 12 a of the second shield 12, measured under the same conditions. Also, the radius R1 of the front wall 11 a of the first shield 11 is greater than the radius R2 of the front wall 12 a of the second shield. Also, as is clearly seen in the drawings, in the low position of use B and/or in the high position H, the front wall 12 a of the second shield 12 is arranged behind the front wall 11 a of the first shield 11, and in the high position of use H, the front wall 12 a of the second shield is substantially parallel to the front wall 11 a of the first shield 11, as appears more specifically in FIG. 2. In addition, the dihedral angle A formed by the plane P1, P2 including the first shield 11 is larger than the dihedral angle B formed by the plane P3, P4 including the second shield.
According to an advantageous arrangement, the two shields 11, 12 are not mounted directly on the shell 11 but on an internal part 20 attached to the interior of the helmet on each of its sides, by utilizing two attachment bolts 21, 22 or any other mechanism.
This internal part 20 appears in the form of a top spherical wall portion 20 a extended laterally toward the bottom by two side walls 20 b, 20 c, with the two shields mounted pivotably on these side walls, while the bottom rim of the side walls is attached in the vicinity of the side rim 10 of the side walls 7 a, 7 b of the shell 1 by the aforementioned bolts or screws 21, 22. Thus, as depicted in FIG. 7, it is possible, after removing the front bolts 21, to pivot the unit composed of the internal intermediate part 20 with the two shields 11, 12, which enables cleaning or possibly replacing the shields whose joints are then outside the shell 1, and therefore perfectly accessible.
It is noted that a protective, shock-absorbing padding commonly called a skull-cap 30 made of synthetic foam, such as expanded polystyrene foam or polyurethane foam, with the skull-cap 30 providing the actual protection of the skull of the user.
To facilitate the pivot maneuvers of the eye shield 12, at least one gripping member composed of a tab 120 formed by a downward extension of one or both of the side arms 12 b, 12 c is advantageously provided. Also, the gripping tab is arranged in proximity to the face opening 2 and, more specifically, to the side rim 9 to be able to be readily accessible to the user.
Moreover, it is possible to provide mechanism to retain one or both shields in the low and/or high position to implement a sort of position indexing of one or both extreme positions of the corresponding shield such that the extreme position(s) is(are) correctly defined.
In order to correctly define the pivot positions, it is noted that a stop system restricting the downward and/or upward pivoting of one or both of the shields could also be provided. Also, the pivoting of one or both shields could be free or retarded, for example, by friction at the level of its joint 13 and/or 14, or elsewhere in an appropriate zone.
Thus, according to the exemplary embodiment, a stop restricting downward pivoting of the face shield 11 is provided, with the stop composed of a side flange 200 implemented in the side walls 20 b, 20 c of the internal intermediate part 20. Moreover, the first shield is indexed and retained in its low and high position by the cooperation of protrusions 201, 202 implemented in the lateral walls 20 b, 20 c of the internal intermediate part 20 with corresponding holes 110, 111 implemented in the side arms 11 b, 11 c of the shield 11. The same is true of the eye shield.
It is discernible from the drawing that, at the time of its pivoting, the eye shield, more specifically its front wall 12 a, has a very short path T2 such that the shield is very close to the face, particularly to the eyes of the user, as are simple goggles.
In fact, a central indentation 112 open toward the bottom, adapted to the passage of the nose of the user is advantageously provided, with a comfort and finishing gasket 113 also provided on the bottom rim of the shield. During pivoting, the face shield 11 has, of course, a more distant path T1, enabling the shield to move forward and beyond the zone occupied by the nose of the user.
It is to be understood that the user may place either one or the other of the shields individually, or both shields simultaneously, in the low or high position.
The invention is not to be limited to the embodiments that have been specifically described and shown by way of example, but it also includes all equivalent structures and combinations thereof.

Claims (6)

What is claimed is:
1. A protective helmet of the type comprising an external shell and at least two protective shields, a first shield and a second shield, each said shield being pivotable with respect to the external shell between two positions, said two positions being a low active position of use and a high inactive position of non-use, said first shield being articulated with respect to said external shell around a first pivot axis, and said second shield is articulated with respect to said external shell around a second pivot axis, said transverse pivot axis of said first shield being different from said transverse pivot axis of said second shield;
wherein said first shield is a face shield with larger dimensions than said second shield, said second shield being an eye shield;
wherein said two shields are each composed of a transparent wall, each said transparent wall being substantially a portion of a sphere.
2. A protective helmet according to claim 1, wherein said transparent wall of said first shield has a radius greater than a radius of said transparent wall of said second shield.
3. A protective helmet according to claim 2, wherein in said low position of use and/or in said high position of non-use, said second shield has a front wall arranged behind a front wall of said first shield.
4. A protective helmet according to claim 3, wherein in said high position of use, said front wall of said second shield is substantially parallel to said front wall of said first shield.
5. A protective helmet of the type comprising an external shell and at least two protective shields, a first shield and a second shield, each said shield being pivotable with respect to the external shell between two positions, said two positions being a low active position of use and a high inactive position of non-use, said first shield being articulated with respect to said external shell around a first pivot axis, and said second shield is articulated with respect to said external shell around a second pivot axis, said transverse pivot axis of said first shield being different from said transverse pivot axis of said second shield;
wherein said two shields are mounted to pivot on an internal intermediate part attached to said external shell.
6. A protective helmet of the type comprising an external shell and at least two protective shields, a first shield and a second shield, each said shield being pivotable with respect to the external shell between two positions, said two positions being a low active position of use and a high inactive position of non-use, said first shield being articulated with respect to said external shell around a first pivot axis, and said second shield is articulated with respect to said external shell around a second pivot axis, said transverse pivot axis of said first shield being different from said transverse pivot axis of said second shield;
wherein the pivot axis of said second shield is arranged farther forward and higher than the pivot axis of said first shield.
US09/306,804 1997-12-29 1999-05-07 Protective helmet Expired - Fee Related US6282726B1 (en)

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9716843A FR2773051B1 (en) 1997-12-29 1997-12-29 IMPROVEMENT FOR PROTECTIVE HELMET
US09/306,804 US6282726B1 (en) 1997-12-29 1999-05-07 Protective helmet

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Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9716843A FR2773051B1 (en) 1997-12-29 1997-12-29 IMPROVEMENT FOR PROTECTIVE HELMET
US09/306,804 US6282726B1 (en) 1997-12-29 1999-05-07 Protective helmet

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US6438763B2 (en) * 2000-05-29 2002-08-27 Gallet S.A. Protective helmet
WO2004040227A1 (en) * 2002-10-31 2004-05-13 Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt Helmet
US6804829B2 (en) 2001-09-14 2004-10-19 Lineweight Llc Advanced combat helmet system
US20050273912A1 (en) * 2004-06-15 2005-12-15 Opticos S.R.I. Safety helmet with screening element
US20050278835A1 (en) * 2002-05-01 2005-12-22 Ide Thad M Sports helmet
US20060080761A1 (en) * 2004-10-20 2006-04-20 Otos Tech Co., Ltd. Multifunctional protection rack for safety helmet
US20060206995A1 (en) * 2005-03-16 2006-09-21 Wan-Ki Hong Shielding device for helmet
US20070056071A1 (en) * 2003-10-07 2007-03-15 Smith Peter S Protective Helmet
WO2008025083A1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-03-06 David John Springer Hard hat with attached safety glasses
US20090031480A1 (en) * 2005-08-18 2009-02-05 Mauricio Paranhos Torres Cephalic protection cell (cpc)
US20100005558A1 (en) * 2006-09-21 2010-01-14 Seoung-Woo Lee Helmet
US20100043126A1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2010-02-25 Sabrina Morel Advanced helmet including a sub-shell with an outer shell attached thereto
US20100229288A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Danny Higgins Helmet having a guiding mechanism for a compatible visor
US20110145964A1 (en) * 2007-03-19 2011-06-23 Lineweight Llc Face Armor
EP2340732A1 (en) * 2009-12-29 2011-07-06 Link Innova Engineering, S.C. Safety helmet with double visor
US20110277224A1 (en) * 2009-01-19 2011-11-17 Midori Anzen Co., Ltd. Shield member and protective cap
EP2387897A1 (en) * 2009-01-19 2011-11-23 Midori Anzen Co., Ltd. Protective headwear
AU2009201249B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2012-04-26 I See Safety Pty Ltd Hard hat with attached safety glasses
US20120291185A1 (en) * 2010-02-19 2012-11-22 Msa Gallet Protective helmet
WO2013057745A1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2013-04-25 Brooklin S.R.L. Multifunction protective helmet
US8555424B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2013-10-15 Danny Higgins Helmet having a guiding mechanism for a compatible visor
US20150082520A1 (en) * 2013-09-26 2015-03-26 Strategic Sports Limited In-moulded helmet with pivotable shield
WO2015056076A1 (en) 2013-10-15 2015-04-23 Ld Project S.R.L. Modular protection helmet
US20150113713A1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2015-04-30 Michio Arai Shield for a helmet
US9289024B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2016-03-22 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US9398783B2 (en) 2007-10-31 2016-07-26 Kranos Ip Corporation Helmet with shell having raised central channel and ear holes with abutting slopped banks
US9763488B2 (en) 2011-09-09 2017-09-19 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US20170265558A1 (en) * 2015-05-18 2017-09-21 Jill Sakemiller Safety helmet with retractable brim
US9788591B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2017-10-17 Riddell, Inc. Quick release connector
USD838922S1 (en) 2011-05-02 2019-01-22 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
USD844255S1 (en) 2014-02-12 2019-03-26 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
USD856601S1 (en) 2011-05-02 2019-08-13 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
US11134741B2 (en) * 2017-05-25 2021-10-05 E.D. Bullard Company Protective helmet with a retractable and removable visor
US11166515B1 (en) * 2015-01-26 2021-11-09 Mohammed Ali Hajianpour Helmet/hood assembly structure and method of use thereof
USD939151S1 (en) 2021-05-21 2021-12-21 Riddell, Inc. Visor for a football helmet
US11278077B2 (en) * 2018-08-31 2022-03-22 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method and apparatus for head protection and providing air flow
US11291263B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2022-04-05 Bell Sports, Inc. Multi-layer helmet and method for making the same
US11419381B2 (en) 2015-05-19 2022-08-23 Maurício Paranhos Torres Cranial protection cell
US20230052260A1 (en) * 2016-05-05 2023-02-16 Fox Head, Inc. In-molded helmet chinbar
US11751623B2 (en) * 2017-09-22 2023-09-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Welding helmet

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US4689836A (en) * 1985-11-05 1987-09-01 Vitaloni Group S.P.A. Headgear for motorcycling and similar activities, with a movable visor and chin guard
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US4769857A (en) * 1986-09-02 1988-09-13 Marco Cianfanelli Integral helmet fitted with a chin piece which may be lifted by forward shifting and swinging movements

Cited By (82)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6438763B2 (en) * 2000-05-29 2002-08-27 Gallet S.A. Protective helmet
US6804829B2 (en) 2001-09-14 2004-10-19 Lineweight Llc Advanced combat helmet system
US7240376B2 (en) * 2002-05-01 2007-07-10 Riddell, Inc. Sports helmet
US8528118B2 (en) 2002-05-01 2013-09-10 Riddell, Inc. Sports helmet
US10932514B2 (en) 2002-05-01 2021-03-02 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US20050278835A1 (en) * 2002-05-01 2005-12-22 Ide Thad M Sports helmet
US10143257B2 (en) 2002-05-01 2018-12-04 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US7954177B2 (en) * 2002-05-01 2011-06-07 Riddell, Inc. Sports helmet
US10136692B2 (en) 2002-05-01 2018-11-27 Riddell, Inc. Sports helmet
US8938818B2 (en) * 2002-05-01 2015-01-27 Riddell, Inc. Sports helmet
US7207072B2 (en) 2002-10-31 2007-04-24 Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt Helmet
US20060000010A1 (en) * 2002-10-31 2006-01-05 Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt Helmet
WO2004040227A1 (en) * 2002-10-31 2004-05-13 Forsvarets Forskningsinstitutt Helmet
US20070056071A1 (en) * 2003-10-07 2007-03-15 Smith Peter S Protective Helmet
US8056144B2 (en) * 2004-06-15 2011-11-15 Opticos S.R.L. Safety helmet with screening element
US20050273912A1 (en) * 2004-06-15 2005-12-15 Opticos S.R.I. Safety helmet with screening element
US7409723B2 (en) * 2004-10-20 2008-08-12 Otos Tech Co., Ltd. Multifunctional protection rack for safety helmet
US20060080761A1 (en) * 2004-10-20 2006-04-20 Otos Tech Co., Ltd. Multifunctional protection rack for safety helmet
US20060206995A1 (en) * 2005-03-16 2006-09-21 Wan-Ki Hong Shielding device for helmet
US9210961B2 (en) * 2005-08-18 2015-12-15 Mauricio Paranhos Torres Cephalic protection cell (CPC)
US20090031480A1 (en) * 2005-08-18 2009-02-05 Mauricio Paranhos Torres Cephalic protection cell (cpc)
WO2008025083A1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2008-03-06 David John Springer Hard hat with attached safety glasses
US20090235437A1 (en) * 2006-08-31 2009-09-24 David John Springer Hard hat with attached safety glasses
US8286269B2 (en) 2006-08-31 2012-10-16 Springer David J Hard hat with attached safety glasses
AU2009201249B2 (en) * 2006-08-31 2012-04-26 I See Safety Pty Ltd Hard hat with attached safety glasses
US8458822B2 (en) * 2006-09-21 2013-06-11 Seoung-Woo Lee Helmet
US20100005558A1 (en) * 2006-09-21 2010-01-14 Seoung-Woo Lee Helmet
US20100043126A1 (en) * 2006-12-27 2010-02-25 Sabrina Morel Advanced helmet including a sub-shell with an outer shell attached thereto
US20110145964A1 (en) * 2007-03-19 2011-06-23 Lineweight Llc Face Armor
US8490214B2 (en) 2007-03-19 2013-07-23 Lineweight Llc Face armor
US10271605B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2019-04-30 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US10856600B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2020-12-08 Riddell, Inc. Quick release connector
US9289024B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2016-03-22 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US10561193B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2020-02-18 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US9788591B2 (en) 2007-04-16 2017-10-17 Riddell, Inc. Quick release connector
US9398783B2 (en) 2007-10-31 2016-07-26 Kranos Ip Corporation Helmet with shell having raised central channel and ear holes with abutting slopped banks
EP2387897A1 (en) * 2009-01-19 2011-11-23 Midori Anzen Co., Ltd. Protective headwear
EP2387897A4 (en) * 2009-01-19 2014-03-26 Midori Anzen Co Ltd Protective headwear
EP2387898A4 (en) * 2009-01-19 2014-03-26 Midori Anzen Co Ltd Shield member and protective headwear
CN102281783B (en) * 2009-01-19 2015-05-06 绿安全股份有限公司 Shield member and protective headwear
CN102281783A (en) * 2009-01-19 2011-12-14 绿安全股份有限公司 Shield member and protective headwear
EP2387898A1 (en) * 2009-01-19 2011-11-23 Midori Anzen Co., Ltd. Shield member and protective headwear
EP3025604A3 (en) * 2009-01-19 2016-08-31 Midori Anzen Co., Ltd. Shield member and protective cap
US20110277224A1 (en) * 2009-01-19 2011-11-17 Midori Anzen Co., Ltd. Shield member and protective cap
US8555424B2 (en) 2009-03-16 2013-10-15 Danny Higgins Helmet having a guiding mechanism for a compatible visor
US8286270B2 (en) * 2009-03-16 2012-10-16 Danastem Sports Enr. Helmet having a guiding mechanism for a compatible visor
US20100229288A1 (en) * 2009-03-16 2010-09-16 Danny Higgins Helmet having a guiding mechanism for a compatible visor
EP2340732A1 (en) * 2009-12-29 2011-07-06 Link Innova Engineering, S.C. Safety helmet with double visor
US20120291185A1 (en) * 2010-02-19 2012-11-22 Msa Gallet Protective helmet
US9456649B2 (en) * 2010-02-19 2016-10-04 Msa Production France Protective helmet
USD856600S1 (en) 2011-05-02 2019-08-13 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
USD916385S1 (en) 2011-05-02 2021-04-13 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
USD856601S1 (en) 2011-05-02 2019-08-13 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
USD838922S1 (en) 2011-05-02 2019-01-22 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
US11503872B2 (en) * 2011-09-09 2022-11-22 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US20220240617A1 (en) * 2011-09-09 2022-08-04 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US11311067B2 (en) 2011-09-09 2022-04-26 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US10874162B2 (en) 2011-09-09 2020-12-29 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
US9763488B2 (en) 2011-09-09 2017-09-19 Riddell, Inc. Protective sports helmet
WO2013057745A1 (en) * 2011-10-18 2013-04-25 Brooklin S.R.L. Multifunction protective helmet
US20150082520A1 (en) * 2013-09-26 2015-03-26 Strategic Sports Limited In-moulded helmet with pivotable shield
US9788592B2 (en) * 2013-09-26 2017-10-17 Strategic Sports Llc In-moulded helmet with pivotable shield
WO2015056076A1 (en) 2013-10-15 2015-04-23 Ld Project S.R.L. Modular protection helmet
US9480294B2 (en) 2013-10-15 2016-11-01 Ld Project S.R.L. Modular protection helmet
US20150113713A1 (en) * 2013-10-31 2015-04-30 Michio Arai Shield for a helmet
US10278446B2 (en) * 2013-10-31 2019-05-07 Michio Arai Shield for a helmet
US11871809B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2024-01-16 Bell Sports, Inc. Multi-layer helmet and method for making the same
US11291263B2 (en) 2013-12-06 2022-04-05 Bell Sports, Inc. Multi-layer helmet and method for making the same
USD927078S1 (en) 2014-02-12 2021-08-03 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
USD844255S1 (en) 2014-02-12 2019-03-26 Riddell, Inc. Football helmet
US11166515B1 (en) * 2015-01-26 2021-11-09 Mohammed Ali Hajianpour Helmet/hood assembly structure and method of use thereof
US10376012B2 (en) * 2015-05-18 2019-08-13 Jill Sakemiller Safety helmet with retractable brim
US20170265558A1 (en) * 2015-05-18 2017-09-21 Jill Sakemiller Safety helmet with retractable brim
US11419381B2 (en) 2015-05-19 2022-08-23 Maurício Paranhos Torres Cranial protection cell
US11812815B2 (en) * 2016-05-05 2023-11-14 Fox Head, Inc. In-molded helmet chinbar
US20230052260A1 (en) * 2016-05-05 2023-02-16 Fox Head, Inc. In-molded helmet chinbar
US11134741B2 (en) * 2017-05-25 2021-10-05 E.D. Bullard Company Protective helmet with a retractable and removable visor
US11751623B2 (en) * 2017-09-22 2023-09-12 3M Innovative Properties Company Welding helmet
US11278077B2 (en) * 2018-08-31 2022-03-22 Illinois Tool Works Inc. Method and apparatus for head protection and providing air flow
USD946833S1 (en) 2021-05-21 2022-03-22 Riddell, Inc. Visor for a football helmet
USD939782S1 (en) 2021-05-21 2021-12-28 Riddell, Inc. Visor for a football helmet
USD939151S1 (en) 2021-05-21 2021-12-21 Riddell, Inc. Visor for a football helmet

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FR2773051B1 (en) 2000-03-17

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